Apoptosis-related factors in the epithelial components of dental follicles and dentigerous cysts associated with impacted third molars of the mandible

Apoptosis-related factors and proliferative marker differ between DFs and DCs. Apoptosis and cell proliferation may play a role in the pathogenesis of DCs. In DFs, expression of apoptosis-related factors and proliferative marker is most likely modulated by the morphologic characteristics of epithelial components as well as by inflammatory changes.